Monday 15 December 2036

2Balaam lifted up his eyes,and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes;and the Spirit of God came on him.3He took up his parable, and said,

“Balaam the son of Beor says,the man whose eyes are open says;4he says, who hears the words of God,who sees the vision of the Almighty,falling down, and having his eyes open:5How goodly are your tents, Jacob,and your dwellings, Israel!6As valleys they are spread out,as gardens by the riverside,as aloes which the Lord has planted,as cedar trees beside the waters.7Water shall flow from his buckets.His seed shall be in many waters.His king shall be higher than Agag.His kingdom shall be exalted.

· · · verses 8–14 are not read15He took up his parable, and said,

“Balaam the son of Beor says,the man whose eyes are open says;16he says, who hears the words of God,knows the knowledge of the Most High,and who sees the vision of the Almighty,falling down, and having his eyes open:17I see him, but not now.I see him, but not near.A star will come out of Jacob.A scepter will rise out of Israel,and shall strike through the corners of Moab,and crush all the sons of Sheth.

4Show me your ways, Lord.Teach me your paths.5Guide me in your truth, and teach me,for you are the God of my salvation.I wait for you all day long.

6Lord, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness,for they are from old times.7Don’t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions.Remember me according to your loving kindness,for your goodness’ sake, Lord.

8Good and upright is the Lord,therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.9He will guide the humble in justice.He will teach the humble his way.

23When he had come into the temple,the chief priestsand the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching,and said, “By what authority do you do these things?Who gave you this authority?”

24Jesus answered them,“I also will ask you one question,which if you tell me,I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.25The baptism of John, where was it from?From heaven or from men?”

They reasoned with themselves,saying, “If we say,‘From heaven,’ he will ask us,‘Why then did you not believe him?’26But if we say, ‘From men,’we fear the multitude,for all hold John as a prophet.”27They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.”

He also said to them,“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.